. >> with opinions so clearly divided, german chancellor angela merkel was keen to play down the differences and talk up the prospects of reaching agreement. >> the starting positions are quite far apart. but speaking for germany, i say we will do everything we can to come to an agreement. because in times of uncertainty and high unemployment, it is essential for people to be able to plan their future. >> it is about politics, not just numbers. the trick will be to find a deal that allows each of the 27 national leaders to claim victory when they return home, and members of the european parliament have warned that if the budget makes too many cuts, they may veto the whole package. >> will there be a deal this time around? for more on the budget summit, let's go now live to brussels and our correspondent. the start of this conference has been put off. what is happening? >> let's be clear. the official start of the conference has been put off, but really, there has been tough bargaining going on behind the scenes since this afternoon. especially great britain seems to be a tough nut to crack,